COVID-19 Grounds Watertown Independence Day Celebration

Fireworks will not be in flight this Independence Day in Watertown, thanks to COVID-19.

Dakota News Now is reporting the city of Watertown South Dakota, has decided to pull the plug on their annual 4th of July fireworks display for 2020.

The on-going coronavirus outbreak has forced the cancellation of one of the regions largest fireworks displays.

Watertown Mayor Sarah Caron told Dakota News Now the firework display for 2020 had been scheduled for July 3rd at the Terry Redlin Arts Center.

The annual event, which features food vendors and one of the largest firework displays in South Dakota, typically draws thousands of spectators. That will not be the case this year, thanks to COVID-19.

Mayor Caron cited "public safety" as the main reason for the cancellation.

In a press release, Caron told Dakota News Now, with South Dakota's COVID-19 peak projected for mid-June, we do not believe it is prudent to invite thousands to gather for this event only two weeks later. Furthermore, this is not the right time to ask local businesses to pay for the event nor the public to take on the expense when needed purchases are being delayed due to uncertain economic conditions."

According to Dakota News Now, the city of Watertown plans to resume their annual Independence Day celebration again in 2021.